Hopkins said it's in Silva's best interest, "given the chemistry," that he get another attorney.

Silva's parents, Jacqueline Diaz and Steven Silva, told the judge they would hire a private lawyer.

Iannotti ruled to keep Hopkins on the job, at least a while.

Iannotti said he was not going to act on Hopkins' motion to withdraw from the case because he didn't want Silva without legal representation. "Simply because a grievance has been filed, it's not enough to remove counsel," Iannotti said.

"All I know, your honor, is he's not happy with me. ... It's time to part ways," Hopkins said.

Silva, 25, of Ansonia, has pleaded not guilty to murder in the death of Zimmerman, 22, who was killed by two bullets early May 12 in the parking lot of RJ's Cafe on Elizabeth Street in Derby.

Senior Assistant State's Attorney Charles M. Stango expressed concern that Silva may be "listening to his parents more than his counsel." Stango said he's never seen Hopkins withdraw from a case. "I'm concerned ... that Mr. Silva has a very good lawyer who has been appointed to represent him at no cost to him," Stango said.

Iannotti said he has known Hopkins 25 years and he is "a fine lawyer."

The public defender's office appoints the lawyer when a public defender is needed. "You don't get to choose your free lawyer," Iannotti said. Hiring private counsel " would sure solve the problem."

Hopkins told the judge communication with his client "is bad at best," and with the family it's antagonistic. "They have a tremendous amount of sway over Mr. Silva," he said.

Silva's parents, outside of court, said their son waived his right to a probable cause hearing. "He didn't understand what he was doing," Diaz said.

If the family doesn't have a private lawyer by the next proceeding, the parents said, they will keep Hopkins.